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School Nutrition Professionals to Urge Congress for Support

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Diane Pratt-Heavner

301-686-3124

media@schoolnutrition.org

School Nutrition Professionals to Urge Congress for Support

2018-03-01

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Next week, approximately 900 school nutrition professionals from across the country will gather in Washington, D.C. to urge Congress to strengthen school nutrition programs for the 30 million students they serve each day.

School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) 46th annual Legislative Action Conference (March 4-6) culminates in a “Charge to the Hill,” where school nutrition program operators meet with their Members of Congress to discuss SNA’s 2018 Position Paper. LAC attendees will call for opposition to school meal block grant proposals, support for the Healthy Breakfasts Help Kids Learn Act ( H.R. 3738) to expand USDA Foods to School Breakfast Program, and practical flexibility under school meal rules regarding sodium and whole grains.

LAC attendees will also hear from U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Steve Censky and other USDA officials on federal regulations for school meals. Education sessions will allow program operators to gather new ideas for improving their school nutrition programs. Featured LAC speakers also include Dr. Keith-Thomas Ayoob, RD, FAND, who will document the evidence that school breakfast improves student performance, reduces absenteeism and behavioral problems.

“As Congress seeks ways to support the well-being and success of America’s next generation, there is strong evidence that strengthening school nutrition programs is part of the solution,” said SNA President Dr. Lynn Harvey, RDN, LDN, FAND, SNS. “SNA members look forward to educating their representatives on the dangers that block grant proposals pose for our students, and how Congress can support critical school nutrition programs.”

Media wishing to attend LAC must register for the conference in advance by contacting Diane Pratt-Heavner at (703) 576-7526 or media@schoolnutrition.org. Be sure to follow the discussion at #lac18.

About School Nutrition Association:The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 57,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. For more information on school meals, visit www.SchoolNutrition.org/SchoolMeals.